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The last mile blog...Thu, 24 May 2018 13:41:04 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.6https://blog.deuterusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cropped-NEW-Deuter_Logo_CMYK-32x32.jpgDeuter Blog USAhttps://blog.deuterusa.com
323269114637What it Takes to Climb Aconcagua – It’s More Possible Than you Thinkhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DeuterUsa/~3/oegoBOmOxgc/
https://blog.deuterusa.com/climb-aconcagua/#respondThu, 24 May 2018 13:30:53 +0000https://blog.deuterusa.com/?p=9024Are you comfortable climbing the 14ers around Colorado? Think you’ve got the chops for higher peaks, but don’t know what you should attempt next? At an elevation of 23,837 feet (6960.8 meters) Aconcagua is one of the best mountains in the world to test yourself at high altitude mountaineering due to its non-technical nature. The mountain is the second highest of the “Seven Summits” and typically attempted after climbing Mount Elbrus or Kilimanjaro – for those trying to climb them all. For the rest of us just out for incredible adventures...read more

]]>Are you comfortable climbing the 14ers around Colorado? Think you’ve got the chops for higher peaks, but don’t know what you should attempt next?

At an elevation of 23,837 feet (6960.8 meters) Aconcagua is one of the best mountains in the world to test yourself at high altitude mountaineering due to its non-technical nature. The mountain is the second highest of the “Seven Summits” and typically attempted after climbing Mount Elbrus or Kilimanjaro – for those trying to climb them all. For the rest of us just out for incredible adventures and life experiences, Aconcagua also does the trick.

The journey begins by flying into Mendoza, Argentina. A shuttle picks you up at your hotel and takes you to Penitentes, a ski resort about three hours drive away, where you will find the Vacas Valley and Horcones Valley trail heads.

Trips to Aconcagua, including time for acclimating, rest, and weather contingency, average 15 to 21 days on a guided expedition. One of the reasons this mountain is a bit more friendly than some of the other large peaks of the world is that logistically it’s a breeze. And depending on conditions, you may only need a light pair of aluminum crampons and mountaineering axe.

It’s possible to hire logistics companies such as Fernando Grajales to shuttle nearly all your gear up the mountain on mules and with the help of the friendly porters. There are two well-accommodated base camps on either side of the mountain (Plaza Argentina and Plaza de Mulas) which have dome tents for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cooks at basecamp have really done their homework and know how to cook at 14,000 feet.

With the assistance of the mules, we were able to hike with a light day pack (Airlite 28 or Airlight 26 SL) for the first three days on our way to basecamp. Each afternoon the arrieros (local cowboys) arrive in camp with all our expedition gear and we’d set up for the night. Argentina is known for amazing steaks so if you are approaching from the Vacas Valley, bring the biggest piece of red meat you can find and the arrieros will cook it for you (for a small tip).

You might feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer size and height of this peak but with some good physical training and a positive mindset I believe it’s an amazing way to the roof of the Americas. A certified guide company will assure that your safety is the number one priority and that the details have been ironed out so you can enjoy the trip. If you are a dialed backpacker with knowledge of acclimating properly and emergency protocols, Aconcagua is a great peak to step up your game on.

Approaching from the Vacas Valley, from basecamp at Plaza Argentina (13,800 feet), you will move to Camp 1 (16,300 feet), Camp 2 (18,000 feet) and High Camp, also known as Piedras Blancas (19,639 feet). The average summit day from Piedras Blancas is around 12 hours round trip. When climbing from basecamp to high camps, I would recommend a 75 litre pack such as the Deuter Aircontact. You can expect your loads to be around 35-60 pounds depending on your kit and porter assistance.

Expeditions such as these are not all about the summit. I cannot stress enough that it’s about the experience you have with your team, the wilderness, the mountain, the locals, and most importantly the experience within your soul. These experiences are why I find my time in the mountains so rewarding. The joy I have found from the little moments of beauty watching the mountain light change and clouds fly by are what keep me coming back for more.

Don’t get me wrong, I love reaching the tops of peaks around the world. But taken against the two weeks it took me to reach Aconcagua, the 20 minutes I spent on the top was a relatively small part of the trip. So try and avoid summit vision and enjoy the journey there and the friends you made along the way.

]]>https://blog.deuterusa.com/climb-aconcagua/feed/09024https://blog.deuterusa.com/climb-aconcagua/The Secret to Getting Children Outside (of their Comfort Zone) and Why it’s Importanthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DeuterUsa/~3/QHSh5lOo-3k/
https://blog.deuterusa.com/children-outside-comfort-zone/#respondThu, 10 May 2018 14:33:52 +0000https://blog.deuterusa.com/?p=9067We get outside with our children a lot. Being active is part of what we do as a family. Our children, ages 4 and 7, walk or ride bikes to pre-school and elementary school nearly every day and most of our weekends and vacations include outdoor adventures. As a result, our children have learned to ride bikes, ski, hike and backpack at an early age. Other parents ask us what our secret is, or assume that our children are naturally more inclined toward these activities. The secret is that we repeatedly give...read more

]]>We get outside with our children a lot. Being active is part of what we do as a family. Our children, ages 4 and 7, walk or ride bikes to pre-school and elementary school nearly every day and most of our weekends and vacations include outdoor adventures. As a result, our children have learned to ride bikes, ski, hike and backpack at an early age.

Other parents ask us what our secret is, or assume that our children are naturally more inclined toward these activities. The secret is that we repeatedly give them opportunities and take the time to allow them to grow in these activities at their own pace.

My wife and I have put in hours of time patiently, and sometimes not so patiently, guiding them, encouraging them and waiting for them. The kids have put in hours of time slowly building their skills and confidence, and also learning from their mistakes.

This is, of course, an oversimplification of a complex process. But what makes it complex is also what makes it rewarding.

As parents, our primary job is to foster growth and eventual independence. In order for growth to occur, people need to venture outside of their comfort zone. So many essential life skills are gained and reinforced when we do this. Some children are naturally more adventurous and may need to be given more boundaries and others may be more reluctant and need more coaxing.

Knowing your children, how to motivate them, and how and when to challenge them are all important skills. We don’t always execute it perfectly, but parenting is an imperfect science and getting out and doing something is better than nothing at all.

Here are a few tips to consider when getting your children outside:

At some point they are going to get cold, hot, tired, hungry, or have any number of other complaints. They may even have a tantrum or meltdown. Fear of this shouldn’t discourage you from taking your kids outside. Teaching them to problem solve and overcome these discomforts builds resilience and coping skills that will serve them well in life.

Give your children choices, support them, and let them see the consequences of their actions. We learn more by our failures and mistakes than when we are shielded from consequences. They will gain confidence and learn to be more self-reliant.

Set small achievable challenges for your children. When they succeed, it gives them confidence and motivates them to do more.

Keep things fun and don’t push too hard. Be flexible and willing to change plans when necessary. If it is a good experience they will want to do it again. If it’s not fun, or you are pushing your personal agenda, you risk having them not enjoy the activity or, worse yet, deciding they don’t want to do it anymore.

Find adventure friends for your kids – ones who like to do the same activities. Having a close match in skills is ideal for maximum fun, but a slight imbalance can also be really helpful. If other children are slightly more skilled than your kids, they will motivate your kids to follow and get better. If your child is slightly more skilled, they may act as a leader or teacher. This is a great way to boost their self-confidence and pride in their own skills and accomplishments.

Kids are stronger and more resilient than we sometimes give them credit for. Don’t underestimate their abilities and you may be surprised at what they accomplish on their own when given the opportunity.

I selfishly hope that our children will continue to do outdoor activities because that is what I love to do, but it is not a requirement. What I really want is for them to find what they are passionate about and pursue it. I believe the skills gained and lessons learned through being in the outdoors will help them to grow into resilient and confident adults, and will ultimately help them navigate whatever path they choose.

]]>https://blog.deuterusa.com/children-outside-comfort-zone/feed/09067https://blog.deuterusa.com/children-outside-comfort-zone/The Missing Five Percent and Why I Instagram my Doghttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DeuterUsa/~3/QYVfpSIUp-A/
https://blog.deuterusa.com/dogs_instagram/#respondThu, 03 May 2018 14:31:21 +0000https://blog.deuterusa.com/?p=9215I take things with a pinch of salt on Instagram or other social media feeds because I know that it doesn’t always resemble reality. Most can agree that around 95 percent of the content we see appears to be perfect. But does anybody wonder about the other five? I mean, of course, what we are seeing versus what is actually happening doesn’t add up. And that’s because life is far from perfect. Life can’t be 95 percent sunshine, sends or other sparkly moments. Maybe the missing five percent make up the...read more

]]>I take things with a pinch of salt on Instagram or other social media feeds because I know that it doesn’t always resemble reality. Most can agree that around 95 percent of the content we see appears to be perfect. But does anybody wonder about the other five?

I mean, of course, what we are seeing versus what is actually happening doesn’t add up. And that’s because life is far from perfect. Life can’t be 95 percent sunshine, sends or other sparkly moments. Maybe the missing five percent make up the really boring moments that aren’t “Instagram worthy”– like when I’m driving back and forth across the country, nobody really cares what the highway in Kansas looks like at 4 p.m. (It’s really, really flat and boring, in case you were wondering.)

But doesn’t anybody want to know what Alex Puccio or Sasha Digiulian’s days off look like? Maybe that’s not why they have hundreds of thousands of followers. But aren’t you curious?

Kurt and I scrolled through my own personal ‘gram a few nights ago and he guffawed at several pictures from 2013. One of them was a picture of a four-year-old girl I used to nanny in Bay Ridge: her knees were bruised and she was sitting on a park bench, nibbling on an unpeeled carrot. I had cropped her face but you could see a sliver of a smile in the photograph. He said that he liked my old Instagram pictures better. I thought that was kind of funny because other than to myself and loved ones, they’re pretty uninteresting. He said that he liked them because they were “real”.

At the time, I said that my life was categorized by three things: climbing, kids and dogs. Over time, climbing photographs took over the majority of my feed because it’s what I was doing the majority of the time. Correction: climbing is what I’d like to be doing the majority of the time. The majority. Ninety-five percent of the time.

No matter the social media platform you choose, there will always be gaps. There will always be context missing from your storyline. I know a girl who wrote an article about her dirtbagging experiences for a company and her story was so heavily edited that it made dirtbagging seem downright glamorous. They changed so much of her essay that you would never know about the peanut butter sandwich dinners, weeks spent living in and out of her vehicle, or working restaurant shifts to make ends meet. And aren’t those important moments? The ones that really make a statement about who we are?

I understand why certain handles and companies adhere to a specific guideline. A feed that looks uniform isn’t necessarily unauthentic – it’s more like all of the best moments get displayed and the uneventful ones go unmentioned. And maybe a snap of Alex Honnold eating spaghetti or putting a dog in a pom-pom hat isn’t going to sell a single anything or inspire anyone, but what it does say is that life isn’t one big series of epic moments. It says that there are some pretty ordinary moments that happen too… and they’re worth acknowledging and appreciating just the same.

And I can appreciate those who keep to a static theme because they offer people a little shred of inspiration, which at the end of the day is never a bad thing. But I’m just as grateful for dogs in pom-pom hats, butt shots, and a picture of your taco dinner.

]]>https://blog.deuterusa.com/dogs_instagram/feed/09215https://blog.deuterusa.com/dogs_instagram/The Summit of Stoke: An Ambassadorial Adventure in Estes Parkhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DeuterUsa/~3/DBYpz9YmCzQ/
https://blog.deuterusa.com/stoke-fest-2018-highlights-from-the-deuter-ambassador-summit/#respondThu, 26 Apr 2018 14:48:41 +0000https://blog.deuterusa.com/?p=9219You’ve been there. Maybe your employer called it an “offsite” – where you and a few dozen folks you kind of know hole up together for a few days and explore your shared commonality. These multi-day events can be trying – often requiring a lot of awkward social dancing. The goals are usually to emerge from the experience with checkmarks on some sort of goal sheet handed down by the board of directors or HR director. Last weekend, in snowy Estes Park, Colorado, Deuter held its second-ever “Ambassador Summit” –...read more

]]>You’ve been there. Maybe your employer called it an “offsite” – where you and a few dozen folks you kind of know hole up together for a few days and explore your shared commonality. These multi-day events can be trying – often requiring a lot of awkward social dancing. The goals are usually to emerge from the experience with checkmarks on some sort of goal sheet handed down by the board of directors or HR director.

Last weekend, in snowy Estes Park, Colorado, Deuter held its second-ever “Ambassador Summit” – and for the 50 or so people who attended, it was far from a clumsy, company retreat. Sure, Deuter’s ambassadors sat through clinics on how to fit backpacks, got a glimpse of new products coming to market and heard from Deuter USA president Bill Hartrampf. But it wasn’t stuffy. It wasn’t corporate. It wasn’t full of 30,000-foot views or synergies or deep dives into EBITDA. Rather, it was full of hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, backcountry skiing, kids, the outdoors, laughing, whisky drinks, hugs, more kids, shared adventures, communal meals and friendships both new and old. And, oh, did we mention kids?

We asked our Deuter ambassadors what they took away from the 4-day summit. Here’s what a few of them had to say:

Amelia Mayer: “While I’ve always thought the Deuter packs are fantastic, being a part of the Deuter team is so much more than packs. It’s a community of outdoor enthusiasts of all levels and ages and preferences coming together to celebrate our love of the mountains and trails and inspiring others to join us. As we raise five kids the outdoor world, it is increasingly important to us that they see the value of others joining our family on the journey and helping us along. This is my family, my Deuter.”

Kathy Karlo: “Attending the Deuter Summit for the first time was like meeting family I never had. My family is kind of small, I move around a lot, and sometimes I forget that “family” extends so much farther than just the people you grow up with. It’s about connecting with and sharing a space with like-minded individuals who share the same passions as you. And I love it.”

Brittany Greer: “For me, the Deuter Summit means unpredictably discovering deep and meaningful human connections. It means bringing together a widespread community who are all driven by similar fundamental passions and sharing those passions. It means strengthening my devotedness to Deuter and the inspiring humans behind it.”

Kat Andrew: “Community, community, community! It’s great to see Facebook and Instagram photos and posts but to be able to meet the people of Deuter who have a real passion for outdoor adventure and travel is truly inspiring. I hope that comes across in our blog posts and pictures because our Deuter Ambassador Family is genuinely committed to the outdoors and inspiring others to follow in our footprints.”

John Soltys: “The best thing about being an ambassador is the community that has developed as a result of these kinds of events. I can reach out to folks with specific skillsets (slacklining, biking, climbing) knowing that my questions won’t disappear into a black hole and my fellow ambassadors will be more than happy to help.”

Rachael Farmer:“The best part about the Deuter ambassador retreat is gathering as a community and sharing our love for adventure on the trail, watching the kids run around together, testing out new high-quality packs and sharing stories of our latest adventures.”

Faith Dickey: “Some of the best things about being a Deuter ambassador is being part of a team of people who all share the common love of outdoors, collaborating with a company that support women and wearing packs that fit!”

Emma Walker: “Spending a weekend in Estes Park with the Deuter ambassador team really felt like a family reunion. It was all the best parts—cooking and eating together, kids running around and playing, hearing what everyone’s been up to—minus all the parts everyone dreads, like aunts who ask when you’re going to get a real job.”

Jonathan Rizzo: “The best thing about being a Deuter Ambassador, other than the gear *wink wink*, is having the opportunity to represent an outdoor company with great values such as ‘Leave No Trace’. Being affiliated with this company is a rare chance to share reciprocal support for the betterment of the community.”

Elisa Rispoli:“The community of it all! We’ve formed good friendships with other ambassadors.”

]]>https://blog.deuterusa.com/stoke-fest-2018-highlights-from-the-deuter-ambassador-summit/feed/09219https://blog.deuterusa.com/stoke-fest-2018-highlights-from-the-deuter-ambassador-summit/#MyDeuterAdventure – Enter to Win a Trip to Germany!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DeuterUsa/~3/jb6MC7t5oeA/
https://blog.deuterusa.com/mydeuteradventure/#respondMon, 16 Apr 2018 19:31:19 +0000https://blog.deuterusa.com/?p=9192Are you looking for your next great adventure? Share your favorite mountain moment with us on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #MyDeuterAdventure and win a week-long, epic-chasing adventure of Germany’s highest highlights. The prize includes flights to and from Germany, a one-week all-inclusive stay with Bavarian lodging, entrance fees, mountain guides, and the exclusive experience of ‘My Deuter Adventure’ with a Deuter Futura Pro hiking pack and accessories. Brought to you in partnership with MooseJaw and Backpacker. Enter HERE and read on to see what spectacular adventures are in...read more

]]>Are you looking for your next great adventure? Share your favorite mountain moment with us on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #MyDeuterAdventure and win a week-long, epic-chasing adventure of Germany’s highest highlights. The prize includes flights to and from Germany, a one-week all-inclusive stay with Bavarian lodging, entrance fees, mountain guides, and the exclusive experience of ‘My Deuter Adventure’ with a Deuter Futura Pro hiking pack and accessories. Brought to you in partnership with MooseJaw and Backpacker.

Enter HERE and read on to see what spectacular adventures are in store.

Live out a fairy tale in Neuschwanstein Castle

First stop: Neuschwanstein Castle. Completed in 1886 the 65,000 square-foot castle is rumored to be the inspiration for the castle in the Disney classic, Cinderella. You’ll spend the afternoon living out your own fairy tale, wandering the halls of this perfectly picturesque mountaintop magic kingdom.

Take on Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze

Stop number two is Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze. At just under 10,000 feet, get ready to take in views of more than 400 surrounding peaks without breaking a sweat, because you’re rocking the newly innovated Deuter Futura Pro hiking pack with its airy mesh back system. Or maybe because you rode the cable car to the top. Don’t worry. In Germany they don’t consider either to be cheating, according to Backpacker Magazine.

Welcome to the chill zone … putting the “fun” in Funtensee

Following the trend of highest adventures, My Deuter Adventure will take winners to Funtensee, Germany’s highest and coldest lake. What puts the “fun” in Funtensee? Its unique geography situates it amongst the surrounding peaks in a natural chill zone, creating the coldest ever recorded temperatures in Germany, -54 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. In the summer it’s cool and refreshing place to relax after a hard hike up to the Karlingerhaus hut, open year round and accessible only to hikers. Nestled in the Berchtesgaden Alps, the Karlingerhaus hut hike will offer winners a chance to stretch their legs and really test out all their new Deuter gear. Don’t forget to pack the hot chocolate!

A behind-the-scenes tour of Deuter headquarters

Designed according to architectural principles that convey Deuter’s core values, the headquarters of one the world’s oldest outdoor gear brands is bright, open and modern. My Deuter Adventure winners will have the opportunity to chat with designers for a behind-the-scenes look at how the world’s best gear is made.

Let us show you around our own backyard!

Contest is open to entries until June 10.

#MyDeuterAdventure

]]>https://blog.deuterusa.com/mydeuteradventure/feed/09192https://blog.deuterusa.com/mydeuteradventure/What’s so Special About Bonefish, Anyway? Fly Fishing on Kiritimati Islandhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DeuterUsa/~3/NqiI3WCw-DY/
https://blog.deuterusa.com/blue-water-beauty-fly-fishing-on-kiritimati-island/#respondThu, 12 Apr 2018 14:41:01 +0000https://blog.deuterusa.com/?p=9159Way out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is a string of volcanic islands you’ve probably never heard of. They’re called… Hawaii. Nah. Just kidding. Everybody knows about Hawaii. Almost 1.5 million people live there. But travel 1,300 miles south of the 50th state, just 150 miles north of the equator, and you really will be on an island you’ve never heard of…Kiritimati Island (also known as Christmas Island) is a small coral atoll that’s home to 6,500 people, thousands of coconut palms and countless bonefish. Most westerners that make...read more

]]>Way out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is a string of volcanic islands you’ve probably never heard of. They’re called… Hawaii. Nah. Just kidding. Everybody knows about Hawaii. Almost 1.5 million people live there.

But travel 1,300 miles south of the 50th state, just 150 miles north of the equator, and you really will be on an island you’ve never heard of…Kiritimati Island (also known as Christmas Island) is a small coral atoll that’s home to 6,500 people, thousands of coconut palms and countless bonefish. Most westerners that make the long journey here come to fly fish for these powerful creatures on the tidal flats in the lagoon.

A typical day begins before first light at one of the few fishing lodges. From the beach, a small boat takes you into the lagoon and drops you with a guide. You’ve got your rod, flies, water and little else.

Bonefishing is all about being able to see the fish as they cruise the flats. The area is too big to prospect for fish by blind casting so dropping a fly in front of them is crucial. The problem is that unless you are naturally gifted with Superman-style x-ray vision you’re going to miss most of the fish. And that’s why you have a guide.

In addition to having intimate knowledge of the flats and where the fish will be, the guides can see the fish at unbelievable distances. They’ll call out the distance and direction. When you can’t see the fish you just need to trust them and cast. And cast again. And cast again. Don’t worry. By the end of the week you’ll be seeing them. Well, at least half the time. Maybe.

All this to hook into a bonefish. But what are they? They aren’t huge, that’s for sure. They average between two and four pounds. They don’t jump and they don’t menace you when you land them. But they are powerful. Few other fish will take so much line out and certainly few others will make multiple long runs. They’re so powerful that if you try to hold them back you risk line burns on your fingers.

When you land the fish, hold it up in the sun to watch its iridescent scales sparkle, give it a kiss, and let it go. Then repeat. And repeat.

]]>https://blog.deuterusa.com/blue-water-beauty-fly-fishing-on-kiritimati-island/feed/09159https://blog.deuterusa.com/blue-water-beauty-fly-fishing-on-kiritimati-island/Guest Blogger: What the Right Pack Means in the Leadville 100http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DeuterUsa/~3/3SBwGSUJNyM/
https://blog.deuterusa.com/guest-blogger-what-the-right-backpack-means-in-the-leadville-100/#respondThu, 05 Apr 2018 14:01:21 +0000https://blog.deuterusa.com/?p=8676By: Ron Smith In the fall of 2008, I was selected in the lottery to participate in the Leadville 50 and 100 MTB race. In the previous two years, I had primarily trained and competed in the citizen’s Le Etape, one day stage race as part of the Tour de France, the LOJOTA (Logan, UT to Jackson, WY) race and the five-day Tour of Colorado. In planning for the Leadville 100 I knew I would need a much better hydration system and pack that could carry a lot of fluid,...read more

In the fall of 2008, I was selected in the lottery to participate in the Leadville 50 and 100 MTB race. In the previous two years, I had primarily trained and competed in the citizen’s Le Etape, one day stage race as part of the Tour de France, the LOJOTA (Logan, UT to Jackson, WY) race and the five-day Tour of Colorado. In planning for the Leadville 100 I knew I would need a much better hydration system and pack that could carry a lot of fluid, had space for parts and clothing and would ride comfortably on my back. I chose one of the original Deuter Air Race Lite packs and began to use it in early 2009.

The pack was everything I needed. The unique air frame provided the comfort and ventilation that significantly increased my ability to complete the long training rides I would go on. I could go on about the performance attributes of the pack, but it was what the pack allowed me to experience and carry with me today that is the real value.

The day of the Leadville 100 race was rainy and cold. It hailed on us at the top of Columbine Mine and the temperature hovered between 85 and 90 that afternoon on the return leg. This is not a story about the success we usually seek in these types of events for it became the first event in over 25 years that I failed to finish. On the short-steep climb out of the creek crossing around mile 30 I pulled my right hamstring. It cramped. It tightened up. It made it difficult to power through my stroke. At the first support checkpoint, I switched out bladders, got a dry jersey and my son massaged my leg. I went on.

The climb up to Columbine Mine at just under 12,600 feet was agonizing. I slowed and I slowed. I screamed down the long descent to the third checkpoint minutes ahead of the safety cutoff. By this time my support crew was pretty alone on the dam crossing waiting for me. Stop or continue? I pushed on with three others. Time would not slow down and I could not speed up fast enough to make up the lost time. While on the road to climb back up what was dubbed “suicide hill” I could look behind me and see the ATBs and support truck picking up the safety cones and signage that had marked the course. “Sweeping it” as they say.

I rolled into the last checkpoint and there they were, the volunteers charged with informing us we could not continue as we had missed the safety time cut by 30 minutes. With kindness, they cut off the official entry band from my wrist and took off my bib number. Welling with emotion and crestfallen, I fell into my son’s arms and cried. In that moment, I thought I had failed.

About 45 days later, having completed a series of tests that had started just before the race, the staff at the University of Colorado neurology department confirmed an initial diagnosis that I was experiencing the adult onset of a particular type of muscular dystrophy (fascioscapulohumeral dystrophy). Its onset had probably started between three to five years prior. This explained in part the problem I had experienced with cramping and severe muscle spasm regardless of how well I trained, ate and utilized best practice recovery methods.

The bike I rode that day at the Leadville 100 is gone, replaced with another. The jersey and bike bib wore out and are gone. The shoes are gone. My Deuter Air Race Lite remains. It hangs just inside my closet. It is a reminder, a touchpoint every time I see it and wear it that committing to a journey does not guarantee the outcome one may envision. I look back now and can embrace that I did not cross the finish line. I may not have made the finish line as I had hoped and visualized, but I did finish an amazing journey to be out on the course giving it my best.

]]>https://blog.deuterusa.com/guest-blogger-what-the-right-backpack-means-in-the-leadville-100/feed/08676https://blog.deuterusa.com/guest-blogger-what-the-right-backpack-means-in-the-leadville-100/What we Learned by Visiting all 59 US National Parkshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DeuterUsa/~3/Si0MWnjahJY/
https://blog.deuterusa.com/what-we-learned-visiting-all-59-us-national-parks/#commentsThu, 29 Mar 2018 14:27:50 +0000https://blog.deuterusa.com/?p=9007Last year while living and traveling in our beloved RV we learned a lot of things. Those of you who have followed our journey for a long time were with us for all the beautiful days, funny times, sad moments and everything in between as we explored all 59 US National Parks. I think above all we learned to live a simple, wholehearted, intentional life. We have really discovered that THINGS don’t make us happy. Experiencing this beautiful earth with the people that we love – THAT is where the...read more

Last year while living and traveling in our beloved RV we learned a lot of things. Those of you who have followed our journey for a long time were with us for all the beautiful days, funny times, sad moments and everything in between as we explored all 59 US National Parks.

I think above all we learned to live a simple, wholehearted, intentional life. We have really discovered that THINGS don’t make us happy. Experiencing this beautiful earth with the people that we love – THAT is where the happiness comes from!

I can’t think of anything more I want in life than to love and be loved. When everything is boiled down, that is the most important ingredient of a well-lived life.

]]>https://blog.deuterusa.com/what-we-learned-visiting-all-59-us-national-parks/feed/19007https://blog.deuterusa.com/what-we-learned-visiting-all-59-us-national-parks/How to Use ‘No’ to Get to More ‘Hell Yes’ in 2018http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DeuterUsa/~3/YHg-Q52tXMg/
https://blog.deuterusa.com/hell-yes-to-2018/#respondThu, 22 Mar 2018 13:38:38 +0000https://blog.deuterusa.com/?p=9032This blog is about New Year’s Resolutions. I know what you’re thinking “Wait, Resolutions? In March?” Well, yes, it is March, but it’s been a busy start to the year, and I’ve always been a bit of a procrastinator. I’m not usually one to set New Year’s Resolutions, so this year, I’m setting more of an intention… trying to live by a mantra. Those who have been to a yoga class know what I mean. At the beginning of the class, the instructor prompts you to set intentions for your...read more

]]>This blog is about New Year’s Resolutions. I know what you’re thinking “Wait, Resolutions? In March?” Well, yes, it is March, but it’s been a busy start to the year, and I’ve always been a bit of a procrastinator. I’m not usually one to set New Year’s Resolutions, so this year, I’m setting more of an intention… trying to live by a mantra.

Those who have been to a yoga class know what I mean. At the beginning of the class, the instructor prompts you to set intentions for your practice. If you’re like me, sometimes it works – I think about sending love and light to a distant relative or friend in need, I consider what bodypart could use a little more limbering up than the rest. But most of the time, I can’t stop my mind from racing – I think about my workday or what I’m going to make for dinner, or often times it’s “Wow, what a cool tattoo that girl has” or “Ooh, nice tights.”

Well, I’m kind of the same way with New Year’s Resolutions! I’m distracted by what others are promising themselves (or more likely promising to social media). I don’t sit back and consider my goals for the year. It’s easier to be sucked into the “go to the gym more”, “eat less sugar”, “read more books’’ goals like everyone else, than to have a real heart-to-heart with myself.

This year I am going to commit to saying “no” more.

What?! You might say, why would I want to set that intention? It sounds negative and pessimistic. Sure, on the surface it does. But by making this commitment, I’m opening a world of making my yeses better, to spending more time on the ventures and people who make me better, happier, and more productive in the long run. (I recently read in Tim Ferriss’ book,Tribe of Mentors, that Derek Sivers has a mantra he lives by when presented with a request. He asks himself if that request is a “hell yes, or no”?)

At face value this mantra may seem extreme but when I really think about it, it’s empowering. Our time is quite the commodity these days. We tend to fill our years, months, days, down to the second with something. Everyone is busy all the time, rushing around, either in reality or in the digital world. Heck, if you’re reading this blog, I’m willing to bet you’re multitasking. Are you also listening to music? Were you scrolling through Facebook or walking the dog or even in the bathroom? Chances are, yes.

We tend to fill our every waking hour with something, and my intention is to weed out the riff-raff and focus on the Hell Yeses!

Hell Yes to Family!

Family has always been important to both me and my husband. We say often that we hit the family jackpot with both of ours. They’ve always been so supportive of us and our siblings. Both of us haven’t always taken the traditional route when it comes to life’s trail, but our families have always been there for us. The last year has been fraught with highs and lows and now more than ever visiting and spending time with our families are one of our top priorities.

Hell Yes to Friends!

We’ve been in Roanoke, Virginia, for about three-and-a-half years now and not only is it a rad place to live and recreate, it’s also full of rad people. We’ve managed to find ourselves in the company of some amazing folks doing some impactful things. This year I’m setting the intention to spend more time with them doing purposeful activities. Having deeper conversations and going on (dare I say) rad-er adventures. This leads me to my third Hell Yes…

Hell Yes to Adventure!

“Go big or go home” is an overused saying for a reason. And while any time spent outside is time well spent, this year I plan to spend more time on big adventures. The last few years we’ve gone big in our personal lives. Three years ago, we backpacked in Chilean Patagonia. Two years ago we hiked the John Muir Trail. Last year we got married in Costa Rica and traveled in Nicaragua, which was filled with the adventure of surfing and waterfall jumping all while traveling with 10 family members.

This year, we are planning to break into the world of bikepacking. Sure, we are experienced backpackers, but we are completely new to carrying all of that on bikes, traveling 45+ trail miles a day, and we aren’t used to all that time in the saddle! So what better way to get into a new sport than total immersion! Go big or go home, right?

We plan to start with a 270+ mile bike race called the RockStar VA. It starts in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and ends in Roanoke, Virginia. It highlights some of the region’s best singletrack trails and scenic gravel roads. It starts April 7, and we hope to do it in seven days. I’d say, “or less” but I’m a realist – we’re beginners!

So, in 2018, if it isn’t a HELL YES, it’s a no for me. Here’s to more family, friends, adventure and ultimately more quality time in the great outdoors. I hope that you are inspired to fill your year with more “No’s” and a handful of Hell Yeses. My assumption is that you will be healthier and happier in the long run if you strive to do so.

]]>https://blog.deuterusa.com/hell-yes-to-2018/feed/09032https://blog.deuterusa.com/hell-yes-to-2018/Video: Badass, Silly and Spirited – Being a Woman in the Outdoorshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DeuterUsa/~3/bkYZtUaMS-Q/
https://blog.deuterusa.com/silly-badass-sprited-being-a-woman-in-the-outdoors/#respondThu, 15 Mar 2018 14:21:59 +0000https://blog.deuterusa.com/?p=9091What happens when you take a group of badass, silly, spirited women and chuck them onto a trail in Colorado for a day? Follow Deuter Ambassadors Kathy Karlo, Emma Walker and Kristin Arnold as they discuss the dynamics of the outdoor community, what makes their experiences unique and having gear that isn’t just made for the masses. “Every one out here has something that makes them special” “My Deuter is my vessel for snacks” What’s your Deuter to you? Video by Sea to Summit Productions

]]>What happens when you take a group of badass, silly, spirited women and chuck them onto a trail in Colorado for a day?

Follow Deuter Ambassadors Kathy Karlo, Emma Walker and Kristin Arnold as they discuss the dynamics of the outdoor community, what makes their experiences unique and having gear that isn’t just made for the masses.